With 2013 drawing to a close, I thought I'd join the band wagon and share with you guys, my best reads of 2013! So here are my top ten (10) reads, and my pitiful reasons why you should read them!
10.Endless by Amanda Gray,3.5 Stars
It was a good read, but it has a lot of loose ends and wholes. It really needs a sequel.
9. Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield, 3.5 stars
The Chantress world was a really interesting one for me, and was really unique. I even reviewed this for my school newspaper :)
8. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor, 3.5 stars
I love this series, and I love the way Taylor is going with this, but Karou was not my favourite in this novel. But you should read this series- it's totally worth the 500+ pages :D
7. The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan, 4 stars
Forbidden romance, magical powers, a curse, family ties , secret organizations, GARGOYLES, and Paris. Need I say more?
6. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher, 4 stars
This book was very steam punk-esque to me (I've never even read that genre yet). And it had a living prision. This book was, in a word, bad-ass! 5. Yesterday by C.K Kelly Martin, 4 stars
Imagine if your life was a lie. Imagine that you aren't from your present time period. What if I told you that this was your reality? Welcome to Freya's life, where nothing is as it seems... And it takes place in Canada. That should be the selling point right there :D
4. The Prophecy by Erin Albert, 4 stars
Abandoned as a baby and taken away to end the war between two warring countries. Just a day in the life of Layla Givens. But more she resists, the more involved she becomes. Totally loved this book, shipped the characters so hard, but then Erin Albert had to Moffat me. But it is TOTALLY worth the read.
3. Crewel by Gennifer Albin, 4.5 stars
There's a world above ours, and it was created to end all suffering. But when 16 year old Adelice is chosen to be a Spinster, she learns that her world isn't as safe as she thought it was... READ IT! Or I will go all Cormac on you! Don't get it? Well, read the book!
2. Belladonna by Fiona Paul, 4.5 stars
Belladonna is the sequel to Venom, by Fiona Paul. It's set in Italy, and is full of mystery, murder, adventure, swoon worthy guys, and of course, a secret organization obsessed with life. This book was an amazing read, I waited TWO MONTHS after its release to get it... only to lose it a month later. NOTE: When you buy this book, cherish it with ALL of your life.
1. United We Spy by Ally Carter, 5 stars
AND SO WE MADE IT TO NUMBER ONE! WOOOH! United We Spy was my Best Read of 2013. I had such a hard time reading and reviewing this book because I just couldn't part with the series. I started reading the Gallagher Girls series when I was in the SEVENTH grade- that was over 5 years ago guys! I grew up with Cammie, Bex, Macey, Liz, Zach, Rachel Morgan, Abby, Solomon, and the Gallagher Academy, that I just didn't want it to end. But alas, it did. And I loved it, even if I didn't read the wedding scene because I'm from Canada if the ending was bitter sweet for me. The series came along way from being a story about a teenage girl attending a spy school who falls in love with a civillian to an action-packed, international intrigue filled story. If you haven't read the Gallagher Girls series yet, you should. It's worth it. If this isn't for you, give it to your daughters, nieces, cousins, friends, husbands, boyfriends, mothers, dads, brothers, sisters, and spread the word about the Gallagher Girls!
So that's it for me! Any of these books part of your best of 2013 list? Any of these books interest you? Comment or tweet me @missyallydums97 :D
AND come back tomorrow for a SPECIAL announcement regarding my first ever giveaway!
Author: Ally Carter Pages: 287 pages Release Date: February 9th, 2010 Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Recieved From: Chapters Edition: Paperback
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.
For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.
I loved this book. I love this book. This was such a fun book to read! I loved the characters, the plot, the world...it was amazing. I could spend my whole review writing about how amazing it was just using the word amazing over and over and over again. But I won't.
**********
Katarina Bishop is an interesting character: she grew up in a man's world and has never really acknowledged her 'feminism', unlike her cousin Gabrielle. I enjoy Ally Carter's writing style, and just like with the Gallagher Girl series, she was able to pull me in within just a couple of pages. Kat lives an interesting lifestyle: she is a thief. Or better yet, was. It was interesting to see her get back into the dynamics of her family life after her former best friend and partner-in-crime, W.W Hale the V, frames her for a crime to bring her back home.
Katarina is a smart and witty character, who, despite her lifestyle is style a normal teenage girl. She can face criminals with dirty histories, she can con people from their stuff, and she can steal from the most secure places in the world...yet she still can't talk to guys or feel 100% comfortable in a dress.
With her very down-to-earth personality and unconventional lifestyle, Kat, her friends and family made Heist Society an amazing novel!
Before I start my review, I want to say thank you Ally Carter, for making such an amazing series! I have grown up with the Gallagher Girls, and despite the fact that it's now over, I am quite happy for the ending.
Author: Ally Carter
Pages: 296 pages
Release Date: September 17th, 2013
Status: final book in the Gallagher Girls series (cue hysterical sobbing)
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.
So this story starts off during the winter break of their senior year. This means, that Cammie is writing this in the future, after graduation.
Cammie is in London with her mom, visiting Cambridge University. She is later joined Bex whom helps her break into the library. There, they find a Circle member, Mr. Knightly, who is currently in hiding.
He is shocked to see Cammie alive, and refuses to go away with into hiding. He is later murdered by Zach's mom, but before he died, he tells them 'it' has begun.
The girls return to Gallagher where they struggle to readjust to their normal lives and accepting the fact that it's their final semester at Gallagher. However, in the end, the girls band together and save their sisterhood, and finally are able to go on with their lives.
Usually, I would give my own little summary to the book with a bit more detail, but I had to speed through this book because I was reading it at Chapters (I had no money to buy it :$) and because I just don't wanna give out any spoilers.
Like seriously, you need to go out and buy the book and read it. I read the book, but I'm still going to go out and buy a nice hardcover for my collection.
It was two pages longer than Out of Sight, Out of Time and had a lighter tone than books 3-5, probably because Cammie and the gang knew what they were dealing with at the end.
I had a lot of mixed emotions, not in a bad way though; I just really didn't want it to end!
The plot was good, and I was really intrigued at the fact that Ally is still able to put some HUGE plot twists. Like...I see that she hinted it in the earlier books now that I went flipping through them, but seriously, there were some things I just didn't see coming!
While the plot was good and Ally was able to keep us on our toes, I was really pleased with the character development. Cammie, Bex, Liz, and Macey have all grown up and I am just so happy ! Rachel and Joe, I think we all saw that coming, along with Townsend and Abby (although it got a little awkward for me at the end, because for those who read the book should know why). Zach was Zach with his Goode-liness, and I loved how we got to dig a little deeper with his past. (I can die happy now that we got to know a bit more about both Hale and Zach :D)
I was surprised to see Grant and Jonas make a cameo to be honest, and Max Edwards whom we met in book 1 briefly. I felt like he should've been hinted more. And little Amy (despite having a little feature) will be a Chameleon in the making :)
What I wasn't surprise though, was Catherine Goode's presence, whether it be looming in the air making tension or her actually being there. But to be honest with you, I sort of pitied her in the end, and was just a little more sad that we didn't get a full answer as to why she's, you know, crazy.
Now I suppose that I should be rambling off about Zammie right now, or Macey & Preston (do we have a ship name for them or...? I really can't remember), but to be honest with you, I really don't want to. Not because I don't like the ships, but because the story isn't all about them.
Yes, there were a lot of couple moments from both the teens and the adults in this book, but even with all the romance and such, it paled in comparison for their love of each other as a big family.
I literally had to force myself not to cry at the end, especially at Liz's graduation speech. It really made me feel sad and happy and proud and old at the same time.
The final chapter of the book ends six months later, with Cam narrating in present tense and her admiring that she and the girls are no longer together. It's an open ending, and to be honest with you, I'm not really fond of them. But Ally Carter has made her character's lives like that, and it seemed appropriate that it ended like it did, because to be honest with you, what 18 year old would sure of her life? I know I won't when the time comes.
Overall for me, this book was a 5 out of 5 stars. It was a great series, and I hope to see you Gallagher Girls at Embassy Row (or in the next Heist adventure, whichever comes first).
Happy Fandom Friday everybody! Instead of the Fangirl Friday that I had originally planned to do, I decided to dedicate this post to my fandoms!
1. Love and Loyalty Run Deeper than Blood
Vampire Academy: With over 8 million books sold world-wide, a 6 book spin off series, and a movie to premiere on February 14th, 2014, the Vampire Academy is one of my all time favourite series and Fandoms.
The Books:
There are 6 books in the series: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound and Last Sacrifice. Despite it's name, it is NOT your typical vampire story!
The Vampire Academy series revolves around 17 year old half vampire, half human (also known as a Dhampir), Rose Hathaway. She has been trained all her life to protect and guard her vampire BFF Lissa Dragomir. After an accident that bonded them psychically, Rose and Lissa escape the walls of their school St. Vladimir's, only to be dragged back by Dimitri Belikov...who happens to be Lissa's new guardian. Together, the two face many hardships: social discrimination, psychological issues, bad romances, betrayal and enemies that make the Volturi hide in a corner.
The books are amazing, and what drew me to Vampire Academy was it's complexity; there's romance, there's humour, there's adventure, there's self-discovery, and there's growing up.
Richelle Mead uses her talented writing skills to bring out the human side of this vampiric world she has created, and brings you on a journey along with the characters.
I highly recommend this series to anyone that hasn't read it! And if you know ANYONE that has read this series, they will tell you that this series is amazing and WORTH the read.
Despite the series ending in 2010, the world of Vampire Academy lives on. Bloodlines (the spin-off series), tells the story of side characters from Vampire Academy, and features cameos from the previous series! So if you're looking for a fix before the movie, I suggest you give the sound off series a try. There are three books out now: Bloodlines, the Golden Lily, the Indigo Spell, and the fourth book, the Fiery Heart will debut November 19th, 2013.
SO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON, THERE'S STILL TIME!
The Movie:
Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters (the name of the movie) will be out on February 14th, 2014. Also known as Valentine's Day. But I guess it won't compare to VA Day :D
The movie stars Zoey Deutch as Rose Hathaway (Beautiful Creatures), Lucy Fry (Lightning Point), and Danila Kozlovsky (We Are From The Future). The movie will also star Gabriel Byrne, Cameron Monaghan (Shameless), Dominic Sherwood (The Cut), Sami Gayle (Blue Bloods), Olga Kurylenko, and Sarah Hyland (Modern Family).
I AM SO HYPED!
With Vampire Academy being one of my favourite series of all time, I am seriously excited that the book to movie adaptation is FINALLY being made.
According to interviews with Mark Waters (Mean Girls), Daniel Waters (Heathers), and Richelle Mead herself, the movie is VERY loyal to the book. I mean, look at the trailer:
And another thing I love is the cast! I mean, they're all pretty good look and they've all got some serious acting chops (they're résumés are all impressive. Good job casting!). But the one thing that I love is that they are totally interactive with their fans. I even got a chance to do an impromptu interview with one of their Dhampirs, Nate Shaw!
It was pretty cool. Now only if I can get Dominic Sherwood to notice me...
2. Bowties are Cool
Doctor Who is like the fandom of fandoms. You have people from other fandoms in this fandom, and it's pretty amazing.
Now, I didn't grow up watching classic Doctor Who (sorry, my family didn't own a TV while growing up & didn't get this awesome experience), but I have been a loyal fan of the series for a while. I have a love for the new Doctors (yes, I'm an Eleven, sorry Tens!), but have a lot of respect for the Classic Doctor Who (they kept it running for 26 seasons!).
What I love about Doctor Who is the action and the adventures, but most of all, I love how it makes me feel like a little kid again. Whenever I watch Doctor Who and watch as the Doctor takes out the sonic screwdriver, I just...I feel like I'm a kid again, believing that super heroes do exist and that there's one out there for me.
I just love Doctor Who. I just do. I'm just really upset that I have basic cable now and won't be able to watch the 50th Anniversary special OR the Christmas special D:
3. 221B Baker Street
I promised myself that if I can't live in a TARDIS, I'll live in a house with the number 221 and add a 'B' on later. Or live on a street called 'Baker Street'.
BBC's Sherlock is another fandom of mine. I love the show for various reasons, but Moffat penning it is not one of them (like seriously dude, how could you end Series 2 like that?).
From the acting to the mystery and to the modern day spin, I love Sherlock so much (#Sherlocked), I tried (and failed) reading the original books to get an understanding of the characters, like Moriarty.
4. When All Shall Know the Truth, the Truth Shall Set ye Free
IT'S OVEEEEEEEERRRR! AND I FEEL SO ALONE!
Well, no not quite really, but it really IS over.
Yup, the final book of Gallagher Girls series (by Ally Carter), United We Spy, just released this Tuesday. I haven't gotten it yet, but I heard there some HUGE plot twists!
I have yet to read the book, but when I do, I'll do a much more lengthy (and nostalgic) post of my love and adoration for the series.
Like seriously, I started reading the series when I was twelve. That was four years ago. FOUR YEARS! I feel so old now :(
But seriously, this fandom is theBritish Bombshell, and I think the reason why I haven't picked up the series yet is because I just don't want it to end!
Sadly, Trenzalore calls...oh wait, wrong fandom.
5. William? Walter? Wesley?
Another series by Ally Carter, Heist Society stole me from my heart the second I heard that the protagonist was about a thief named Kat (I giggled when I first read that).
Unlike it's Gallagher counterpart, there is no big story arch tying all the books together. It's a series of books that tell the adventure of Kat Bishop, a girl of a family of thieves, and how she navigates the man dominated world of stealing.
I personally enjoy Ally's style of writing; it's clean and isn't totally all doom and gloom like most of the YA series I have read.
It does, however, feature a very handsome billionaire that goes by Scooter (which is weird because his intials are W.W).
6. No one is falling down before any angels today
Fiona Paul (aka Paula Stokes) is one of my new favourite authors! Her debut book, Venom, literally just took me away!
It's YA Historical, set in Renaissance Italy, the Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy tells the story of Cassandra 'Cass' Caravello, a 15 year old girl from Venice craving for freedom. Instead, danger and adventure seem to find her after she goes out late at night to visit her dead friend in her tomb. Cass grows throughout the series, learning a lot about herself, her family, and solving unanswered questions that have left her as an orphan: what really happened to her family? Who or what is the Order of the Eternal Rose?
If you love the Gemma Doyle trilogy, The Stravaganza series or the Cross My Heart books, this series is definitely the one for you!
So that's it for me for Fandom Friday!
My next review will probably be Monday or Tuesday, and will either be on my farewell to the Halo trilogy or my new found love for the Infernal Devices series. And don't forget to follow me on @missyallydums97!
It's another Wednesday in September, but as I type this, I am currently melting in my chair.
For some reason, my part of Canada just happens to have 34 degree weather-and that's without the humidity! Now I know some of you guys are probably wondering why I'm complaining about nice summer weather, but to be honest with you heat + humidity + black uniform pants and a cotton polo shirt, then factor in a nearly thirty minute walk with a bag full of homework, 'summer weather' turns into a nightmare!
But other than that, I'm super excited for today's Waiting on Wednesday books, United We Spy by Ally Carter and This Song Will Save Your Life by Lelia Sales, both coming out on September 17th, 2013!
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.
Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.
I've been picking up a lot of dysutopian and contemporary books lately that all tell a coming-of-age story. I guess it's because it sort of applies to what's going on in my life right now (aside from nearly DYING from the heat).
These two novels stand out for me. TSWSYL is a story that I can relate to in some ways, and while I found that my passion is more of the English than Music department, I find that using music to figure out who you are is inspirational, because I know people who found themselves in the Arts (or in other forms of expression) and they have just flourished and became their own.
And UWS is the 6th and final book in the Gallagher Girls series. *WAILS* I have been reading the Gallagher Girls since I was in the seventh grade, and now that the final book is coming out, the reality of me growing up is slowly hitting me (but not quite yet). I know very well that our Gallagher Girls in the UK have already gotten their paws on the book (I think) last week and have read the final book. There have been mixed reviews (you can't please everyone), but I have my faith in Ally. BUT IT'S THE LAST BOOK PART THAT MAKES ME SO UPSET! But in the words of the 11th Doctor:
Today's Saturday Spotlight (if you didn't get it from the title) is Ally Carter!
What makes Ally Carter worthy of this Saturday Spotlight? Here are a little facts:
She's a New York Times Best-Selling Author
She's the author of the Gallagher Girl Series and the Heist Society Series, making her YA the author of 9 YA books (and counting)
She's currently working on a new series called Embassy Row
She's totally connected with her fans; she even released an E-Book crossover about the characters from her two series called Double Crossed (you can download it FOR FREE at spiesandthieves.com)
From her tweets, she's totally down-to-earth; born and raised in Oklahoma, a farm girl at heart, and a total sucker for treats. And working out is just a struggle for her (and for me too).
I am a huge fan of the Gallagher Girls and Heist Society series (I am totally a Goode girl and a Haler), and I'm counting down the days till the release of United We Spy (the 6th and final book in the Gallagher Girls series) on September 17th; that day will mark the end of the GG era, something I'm both looking forward to and dreading at the same time. But what makes Ally today's Saturday Spotlight is not because she's an amazing author (which she is-if you read her books, you would know. If you don't, you should!), but because she's a preacher when it comes to the adaptions of YA movies.
On August 6th, Ally posted a drabble type post on Tumblr (here: http://theallycarter.tumblr.com/post/57632934424/on-hollywood-doubters-and-voting-with-your-wallet) explaining why so many YA books are optioned and yet so few are actually made. When I read it, I understood the message...yet there were still many people complaining why ___ series was being made but not ___ series...really guys?
That's what I love about her: she down-to-earth and is ready to tell it like it is. She's an amazing writer and understands why Hollywood isn't about the YA movie life. She's an author, a YA adaptations movie preacher (in my opinion), and a genuinely good person. This is why Ally Carter is today's Saturday Spotlight!
